THE WORLD WAR II PATRIOTIC MOTHER

Abstract

The archetypal good mother and the archetypal patriotic mother are important symbols in American culture. Both are rooted in maternal work but are separated by two conflicting assumptions. The good mother nurtures her children and protects them from harm, while the patriotic wartime mother remains silent when the government sends her child directly into harm's way. This study explores how the World War II press positioned mothers of soldiers to sacrifice their children in support of the nation's war effort. The findings point to the importance of understanding the role of archetypes in news narratives.

Keywords:

• archetypes
• maternal work
• news
• patriotic mothers
• World War II

Notes

1. Navy recruitment poster, http:lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?ils:3:./temp/~ppaFMI:, accessed 9 December 2008.

2. Liberty bond poster, http://lcwb2.loc.gov/cgii-bin/query, accessed 9 December 2008.

3. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851–2004) database.